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What is Tog-L-Loc®?

Tog-L-Loc® is a cold-forming clinch process which uses a special punch and die to form a strong interlocking joint within the metals themselves. The result of the process is a round, button shaped extrusion on the die side of the assembly, and a small cylindrical cavity on the punch side. The joint is comprised wholly of the sheet metals that were joined. No external fasteners, or welding is utilized in the process.

Joins plain, coated, and dissimilar metals

No rivets, screws, or other fasteners

Eliminates spot welding operations

Long tool life: 300,000 joints common

Joins in a single press stroke

Non-Destructive testing with a simple gage

Strong and highly fatigue resistant

Leakproof joints

No sparks, fumes, or soot

Finite Element Analysis showing a cross section of a Tog-L-Loc® joint being created.

Typical Tooling Configuration. (Click for larger view)

Cross Section view of a completed Tog-L-Loc® joint

Die side (left) and Punch side (right) views of completed Tog-L-Loc® joints

Punch side view of joints created in pre-painted metal

Die side view of joints created in a part using a dissimilar metal combination

How it works

A typical Tog-L-Loc® joint is created in under a second and features three basic steps as shown in this cross section diagram:

Step 1 (Clamps): A punch side stripper clamps the metals to be joined.

Step 2 (Draws): Once the metals have been clamped by the stripper, a punch draws a section of the metals into a die.

Step 3 (Locks): A Tog-L-Loc® die has moving blades which expand, allowing the metals to flow into a strong interlock. The end result is a vibration resistant, leakproof joint which was created without the use of external fasteners.

Where It Is Used

The Tog-L-Loc® joining method is relied upon and trusted by industries around the world manufacturing a diverse range of products. From pre-painted microwave housings to delicate solar collectors, automotive hoods, heat shields, ductwork, garage doors, small electrical components, and even steel frame housing, Tog-L-Loc® has become a trusted name in sheet metal joining. Contact BTM today to see how Tog-L-Loc® can benefit your application.

Here are just a few examples of industries using Tog-L-Loc®. Click an industry to see product examples.